Ardmac forms chorus group to support mental health in the workplace

28 November 2018

Ardmac singers set to raise the roof in Dublin Airport for Pieta House

Ardmac has launched a campaign to help tackle and challenge mental health issues within the construction sector, while also supporting mental health charity, Pieta House. As part of this campaign, the company has formed the ‘Ardmac Christmas Chorus Group’, who will perform some Christmas classics in Dublin Airport on 12 December to drive awareness for Pieta House.

The challenge of mental health issues in the construction industry is a growing concern, as over the past number of years there has been an increase in the number of employees in this sector suffering from mental health issues. Ardmac is aiming to raise awareness of this issue through several initiatives over the coming months and raising funds for Pieta House in the process.

Established in 2016, Pieta House has helped over 40,000 people to date in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm. The charity provides a free of charge professional one-to-one therapeutic service, staffed by 270 therapists, for people who are experiencing suicidal ideation, people who have attempted suicide and people who are engaging in self-harm.

Commenting on the formation of the Ardmac Christmas Chorus Group, Debbie Treacy, HR Manager at Ardmac, said: “Statistics indicate the tragic fact that the number of people suffering mental health issues in the construction industry is twice the national average. At Ardmac, we are determined and committed to play our part in tackling this issue and supporting the excellent work that Pieta House does in the fight against suicide and self-harm. “We are delighted with the reaction we have already received from our own staff, as 15 people have so far signed up to perform in Dublin Airport in December, with more members expected to join us in the final weeks.”

Speaking on behalf of Pieta House, Interim CEO Ashley Balbirnie said: “Pieta House would like to sincerely thank Ardmac for organizing a Christmas Chorus Group performing at Dublin Airport. It’s through events like this Pieta House can have a positive impact on people seeking help by reducing the mental health stigma, changing norms and attitudes towards seeking professional help”.

Balbirnie added “Our vision at Pieta House is a world where suicide, self-harm, and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care, and acceptance. Stigma is frequently what brings people to the doors of Pieta House. Thank you to Ardmac for the great work to help tackle and challenge mental health issue within the construction sector. We would like to encourage particularly men, who are not as open about their feelings to feel comfortable to speak to someone, whether it be their colleagues, friends or family members should they find themselves in difficulty”.

To avail of these services, which are free of charge please visit pieta.ie for all centre contact details. Pieta house provide 24/7 support – if you are suicidal or self-harming, you can contact Pieta House 24/7 via the Freephone helpline on 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)

To donate to Pieta House in support of Ardmac’s Chorus Group, please click HERE